Since blogging about my 6 Traits writing board earlier this year, I have gotten a few emails from teachers wanting to see how it looks in action. This post will share a look at how the 6 traits writing board looks now and how I display my mini-lesson statements. Remember that you can grab the FREE 6 traits writing checklist to help you come up with writing mini-lessons by clicking here.
If you are not familiar with Six Traits Writing or 6 Traits Writing, it is basically a way of organizing mini-lessons or key writing skills into groups. This board allows me to post all of my writing mini-lesson statements (the writing strategies and tips I teach my students).
Using the Six Traits Writing Board
After I teach a writing mini-lesson, I post a really simple, easy to read and understand phrase under the trait that the mini lesson matches. I also try to include a graphic or example to help jog the students’ memory about what that strategy is. I teach some very low writers so this is necessary and so helpful for them!
As we are doing any kind of writing, I am constantly referring back to the board to remind the kids to include all of the traits into their writing. It works! They refer to it, they remind each other about it, and they refer to it during writing conferences! Nothing makes my teacher heart happier than to hear a kid say, I checked my verbs..see right here. LOVE!
A Secret Code for Narrative Writing
Do you sell these posters? This is my first year in 5th grade and I think these would be an awesome resource!
Mrs. Flores, I got them for free on proteacher.net. Here is the link:
http://www.proteacher.net/discussions/showthread.php?t=280078
I just love them! They are so bright and colorful. Last year I color coded my sentence strips to match the poster!
Have fun in 5th!
Jennifer
Hey Jen! I love this 🙂
I also saw a link on Pinterest to a 5th grade Common Core lapbook that you have. I couldn't find the blog post you did about it. Do you have a link? I would like to check it out. 🙂
Stephanie
Teaching in Room 6
I love this post! We use a lot of Step-Up to Writing at my district but you have inspired me to look more into the six traits model. Thanks:)
~Holly
Fourth Grade Flipper
How do you explain to kids what $5 words are?
We talk about the value of words, and how some words are "worth" more. We make a list of words that we think are only worth less than $1 (fun, said, mad, etc). Then we talk about how synonyms that are grade level appropriate are worth more, and will make your writing have more value. We keep a list of $5 words on the wall and continually add to it. I also typically tell them that if the word has more than two syllables, it is probably a $5 word. Hope this helps!
I really enjoyed reading your post. I love the idea of adding the prompts under each trait as it’s taught. I also love your CODE! Thanks for inspiring me forward.
Lorna Russell Australia